What Is An SSRI Drug (Antidepressant)?
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Depression chemicals
Neurotransmitters work by helping to send messages to neurons within the brain, causing a reaction within the body. While there are many different neurotransmitters, serotonin and dopamine have been commonly linked to depression. When there aren't enough neurotransmitter chemicals, it can create breaks in the messages passed between neurons, so the brain doesn't always have the right response.
Depression is often referred to as a chemical imbalance in the brain. However, researchers now believe it’s more complex than a simple deficit of a chemical. Scientists are still trying to understand exactly how the interactions of chemicals create symptoms.
Researchers do know that the brain produces both inhibitory and excitatory neurotransmitters, and serotonin is one of those inhibitory chemicals and is the primary one that SSRI drugs focus on.
What is an SSRI?
Many people who experience depression benefit from some form of medication, and SSRIs are some of the most common medications prescribed for depression. The drug mechanism is specific to serotonin, which is why it's called "selective." Researchers have various theories about the mechanism of serotonin and depression.
When the brain releases neurotransmitters, they are either diffused, broken down by enzymes, or reabsorbed (a process called reuptake). One theory is that when the receptors are blocked from re-uptaking serotonin, it stays in the gap between neurons for longer, affecting communication and causing symptoms of depression. SSRIs work primarily on the neurotransmitter serotonin to keep it available in the synapse between neurons.
Types of SSRI antidepressants
There are a variety of SSRIs available, and the treatment process may involve some trial and error because there's no way to test for levels within the brain correctly. Also, every person is different chemically, which is why one SSRI for anxiety may work for one person but not for another.
The FDA controls SSRI drugs and has a list of those approved to treat depression, including:
- Citalopram/Celexa
- Fluvoxamine/Luvox
- Fluoxetine/Prozac
- Sertraline/Zoloft
- Escitalopram/Lexapro
- Paroxetine/Paxil
Symbax is also an approved SSRI. However, it's usually reserved for those with treatment-resistant depression because it's a combination of several drugs, including fluoxetine and other drugs usually used for schizophrenia.
These drugs can have frequent side effects and interactions, which is why it’s recommended that you tell your doctor about any other prescription medications you take. Medications for depression are often prescribed together or in combination with other drugs to get the best results.
SSRI dosage
SSRI drugs often take several weeks to work. If you don’t experience any improvement, consider talking to your doctor again. It can take four to eight weeks before the full effect is felt. Usually, doctors prescribe the lowest possible dose to start and increase the dose as necessary.
Most doctors will tell you to stick with an SSRI for at least six months to two years if they are working. It's recommended that you not skip doses and that you take the medication as soon as possible if you forget, but not to double up.
Also, stopping SSRIs abruptly can lead to , which can be much like the flu but can also include strange sensations that something some people called “brain zaps,” which may feel like an electric shock.
It is possible to overdose on SSRI medications, though much less likely and less dangerous than with older monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOI). A large, single overdose of SSRI medication can cause toxicity in the body, which can cause an abnormal heart rate or coma.
How can I get SSRIs?
These are prescription drugs, which means they can only be prescribed by a doctor. While most doctors can prescribe them, it's usually left to psychiatrists to do so as they are more specialized.
A doctor may ask if you've tried other avenues to manage your depression, such as exercise or therapy. They may also ask if there's something specific going on in your life that might only be temporary. If you're not yet working with a therapist about your depression and it's serious enough that you think medication would help, then you might consider reaching out and finding a therapist who has experience treating depression.
Are there side effects of SSRI drugs?
One of the reasons many people with depression choose not to take medication or decide to go off their medication is because of the side effects. Most side effects aren't permanent, but in some instances they can worsen depression.
Some of the most common side effects may include:
- Constipation or diarrhea
- Drowsiness/insomnia
- Dizziness/blurred vision
- Headaches
- Loss of appetite/nausea
- Anxiety
- Sexual dysfunction
Some people experience more severe symptoms, including manic behavior, suicidal thoughts,* chest pain, and hives or an allergic reaction. Children and young adults may be more likely to experience thoughts of suicide, which is why they are less often prescribed to this population.
*If you or a loved one is experiencing suicidal thoughts, you can reach out for help immediately. The 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline can be reached at 988 and is available 24/7.
With SSRIs, it is also possible to have a rare side effect called , where too much serotonin builds up in the body. Serotonin syndrome can be deadly, and the symptoms may include confusion, headaches, diarrhea, palpitations, tremors, twitching, shivering, and more. If these are ignored, they can progress to unconsciousness, seizures, fever, and erratic heartbeat. The risk may be higher if you're taking more than one SSRI at a time and when you first start taking them. There is also a chance of this occurring if you take an SSRI with St. John's Wort, an herbal supplement. Serotonin syndrome can be a serious condition that requires hospitalization.
Combination therapy
Many people find that a combination of medication and therapy helps with their depression symptoms. A meta-analysis published in World Psychiatry found that anti-depressant medications plus therapy, also known as combination therapy, can have a significantly more positive result for treating depression than medication alone.
If your depression symptoms make it difficult to leave home for therapy, you might consider online therapy, which research has shown to be just as effective as in-office therapy for depression. With BetterHelp, you can schedule therapy from the comfort of your home, and you can communicate with your therapist via audio, live chat, or videoconferencing. Also, BetterHelp allows you to message your therapist at any time through in-app messaging, and they’ll respond as soon as they can. This may be useful if you experience depression or anxiety in between sessions.
Takeaway
What medications are considered SSRIs?
SSRIs, or selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, are types of antidepressant medications commonly prescribed to help individuals experiencing mood disorders like moderate to severe depression and anxiety, among others. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recognizes seven different medications that qualify as SSRIs. These commonly prescribed antidepressants may help decrease symptoms of various mental health conditions.
What is the most commonly used SSRI?
According to a dataset released by the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, the most commonly prescribed antidepressants in terms of SSRIs in the United States are the generic medication sertraline and the brand name versions of it.
What exactly do SSRIs do?
Neurotransmitters are chemicals that are used to send messages between nerve cells in the brain. After a neurotransmitter like serotonin is used to send a message to nearby nerve cells, it’s either diffused, broken down by enzymes, or reabsorbed, like other neurotransmitters. When a lack of adequate serotonin levels happens due to this process, however, researchers theorize that symptoms of depression may result. SSRIs, or selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, work by blocking serotonin reuptake or reabsorption, thereby making more available for use by the brain.
Is anti anxiety a SSRI?
SSRIs, or selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, are one of the anti-anxiety medications available. Medication is not prescribed for every individual who experiences an anxiety disorder, but it can be helpful in some cases. Speak to your doctor or psychiatrist if you’re interested in learning more about SSRIs for anxiety.
What are the long term side effects of SSRI?
Some of the potential long-term side effects of SSRIs that a person could experience include insomnia, skin rashes, joint and muscle pain, and sexual dysfunction, among others. These medications may also slightly increase the risk of internal bleeding, particularly if the individual is taking aspirin, ibuprofen, or similar medications concurrently.
Speak with your doctor or psychiatrist before starting, stopping, or changing any medication. Just one reason for this is that you could experience antidepressant discontinuation syndrome and/or other potential harmful effects if you stop or alter your dose too quickly.
Why are SSRIs the best?
SSRIs, or selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, are a type of medication commonly prescribed to help treat symptoms of depression, anxiety, and other or related mental health conditions. While they help many people manage their symptoms, they’re not right for everyone. As with most things, there’s not necessarily a one-size-fits-all treatment program for a mental illness like depression or anxiety. That’s why you should speak to your doctor or mental health care provider about what treatment plan might be right for your unique circumstances and whether antidepressant treatment could be a feasible option.
What is the safest antidepressant?
Though the federally approved medications for treating depression have been widely tested and are generally considered to be safe, all medications come with some amount of risk. That said, two of the antidepressants that tend to be well-tolerated amongst the general population are fluoxetine and sertraline, though individual results can vary.
Remember to consult with your doctor before starting, stopping, or changing any medication. Discontinuation syndrome and even more serious or even fatal health effects can occur if your medication regimen is not carefully monitored by a healthcare professional.
How do you know if you need antidepressants?
Meeting with a doctor or mental health specialist to discuss your symptoms, circumstances, and options for treatment is typically the best way to know if you may benefit from taking SSRIs or other types of antidepressants..
What is the safest and most effective antidepressant?
The antidepressants approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) have been thoroughly tested and deemed to be generally safe for the average person. However, they’re not right for everyone, and all medications come with some risk.
That said, fluoxetine and sertraline tend to be some of the most commonly prescribed antidepressants that are usually well-tolerated by most. Remember to consult with your doctor or psychiatrist before stopping, starting, or changing any medication, as individual results can vary.
What not to take with SSRI?
The National Health Service (NHS) of England reports that there are several medications that should generally not be taken with SSRIs due to potential risks of harmful or even fatal interactions. Examples include but are not limited to:
- Ibuprofen
- Aspirin
- Lithium
- Other SSRIs
- Serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs)
- Tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs)
- Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
…and several other medications and medication types. That’s why it’s crucial to consult with your doctor or psychiatrist before starting, stopping, or changing any medication, as the potential health consequences of mixing medications can be severe.
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